Air India, Air India Express extend Saudi flight cancellations until October 20

Air India and Air India Express have extended the suspension of flights to and from three major Saudi Arabian cities — Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam — until October 20, 2026, amid continuing regional security concerns and disruptions to air travel.

Both airlines said they were monitoring the evolving situation and reviewing operational conditions before resuming services. Passengers affected by the cancellations have been offered refunds or alternative travel arrangements, depending on the airline's policy.

Air India confirmed that affected passengers would be eligible for full refunds, while Air India Express said travellers could choose complimentary rescheduling or a full refund upon cancellation.

Air India and Air India Express Extend Flight Cancellations

The latest announcement extends the temporary suspension of services between India and the three Saudi cities. Both carriers said passenger safety remained a priority as they continued to assess developments in the region.

Air India is monitoring the situation to determine when flights can safely resume. Air India Express has also extended its suspension until October 20, citing the changing regional circumstances.

Passengers planning to travel between India and Saudi Arabia are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.

Thousands of Flights Disrupted Across Saudi Arabia

The extension comes amid widespread aviation disruptions across Saudi Arabia following a series of attacks on airports in the kingdom.

According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 4,000 flights departing Saudi Arabia were cancelled or grounded between October 8 and October 15.

Of the 8,883 scheduled departures during the eight-day period, approximately 46 per cent did not operate, highlighting the scale of the disruption.

Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport was among the most severely affected. On October 15, 298 of its 366 scheduled departures were disrupted, accounting for more than 81 per cent of planned flights.

Other major airports also experienced cancellations:

• Dammam: 60 of 131 scheduled departures were cancelled on October 15.

• Jeddah: 87 of 385 scheduled departures were affected on the same day.

The disruptions have affected airline schedules and created uncertainty for travellers flying to and from the kingdom.

Earlier Flight Suspension Extended Beyond October 17

The latest decision follows an earlier advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on October 13. The embassy had announced that Air India and Air India Express services to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah were suspended until October 17.

The suspension has now been extended by three days, until October 20.

Other Indian airlines, including Akasa Air and IndiGo, have also announced temporary suspensions affecting certain Saudi Arabian routes.

The Indian Embassy has advised Indian nationals to remain in contact with their airlines and verify flight schedules before travelling. Passengers are encouraged to follow official announcements for updates on service resumptions and further changes.

Refund and Rescheduling Options for Affected Passengers

Air India and Air India Express have outlined options for passengers whose flights have been cancelled because of the suspension.

Air India passengers: Eligible passengers affected by cancellations can receive a full refund, according to the airline's announcement.

Air India Express passengers: Travellers can opt for complimentary rescheduling or request a full refund upon cancellation.

Passengers should contact their respective airlines or use the official booking channels to confirm their eligibility and complete the necessary procedures.

What Should Travellers Do Before Heading to the Airport?

Passengers travelling between India and Saudi Arabia should take a few precautions while the suspension remains in effect.

Check flight status: Confirm the latest departure information through the airline's official website or customer service channels.

Review booking options: Contact the airline to understand refund and rescheduling procedures if a flight has been cancelled.

Update contact details: Air India Express has advised passengers to visit its official website, airindiaexpress.com, and ensure their contact information is up to date.

Follow official advisories: Monitor airline announcements and updates from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for the latest travel information.

Travellers should avoid relying solely on previously issued tickets or older flight schedules, as operational changes may occur at short notice.

Airlines Continue to Monitor the Situation

Air India and Air India Express said they would continue reviewing regional developments before deciding when to resume normal services to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

With significant disruptions reported across Saudi Arabia's aviation network, passengers are advised to remain alert to further announcements and confirm their travel arrangements directly with their airlines.

The suspension is currently scheduled to remain in place until October 20, 2026, although any further changes will depend on the evolving situation and operational assessments.